The Nigeria Army weekend asked the general public to remain calm and vigilant after the attack on Oyo state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, by suspected Yoruba Nation agitators.
In a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigeria Army stated that the “safety and security of the citizenry remains a priority”, adding, “we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region.”
The Nigeria Army in the statement said the adherents of the Yoruba Nation dressed were in foreign military camouflage with berets and armed with dangerous weapons in buses and motorbikes during the invasion of the Oyo state government secretariat in Ibadan last Saturday.
“This is to notify the general public that today, sequel to the report of an attack on the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo state, troops promptly responded to the incident and had contact with adherents of the Yoruba Nation dressed in foreign military camouflage with berets and armed with dangerous weapons in buses and motorbikes.
“Upon encountering own troops, the Yoruba Nation adherents engaged the troops in a shootout. Troops, utilising superior firepower, successfully subdued the attackers, who subsequently retreated in disarray.
“As a result of this engagement, nine members of the irredentist group were apprehended, while one Semi Automatic Pump Action rifle and ammunition were recovered.
“Currently, troops are on the track of the fleeing adherents, and the situation is under control.”
The statement added: “We assure members of the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the area.
“We urge the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate security agencies. The safety and security of the citizenry remains a priority, as we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region.”
